Comments from tim

Ouch!
Yeah, we would love to, but with what money? We’re doing the best we can considering the times. There’s a lot more competition (with all the latest equipment) out there these days. Being an old-time single screen theater isn’t easy, but we’re still plugging along on our own. And most of our loyal patrons seem to enjoy coming here.
-Tim

Chris,
I read the article. Michael is not referring to the classic theater in front with this statement, “Thereâ€™s nothing like going to a classic theater. Especially for a big film, Iâ€™d never trade the experience. I like to visit them sparingly though to make each time an event. Sometimes I just donâ€™t want an event. I just want to go to the movies.” By embracing these multiplexes in even the smallest way and visiting classic theaters ‘sparingly’ is counterproductive to the many classic theaters fighting to survive in today’s market. I thought Cinema Treasures was all about encouraging support for the old time theaters still in existence. The multiplexes do well enough on their own without anymore help.

I’ve read Michael’s other articles and he’s doing a fine job. This just struck a nerve with me being the owner of a classic movie theater myself.

I was afraid this would happen. Moving away from classic cinemas to embracing multiplexes. I saw it happen with a popular industry-based movie theater magazine and now it’s happening here. Now they barely mention the older theaters except to announce their closings.

The CATLOW in Barrington, IL never shows commercials and we’re proud of that fact. The funny thing is that many of our first-time customers still show up late by 10 minutes or more because they are programmed to do so to avoid the multiplexes advertising barrage.

If you are against seeing all those ads onscreen, support the classic theaters in your area that don’t show ads.

corvetteguy1963,
I can understand your discouragement, but being a Chicago-area suburban theater owner, I have to disagree with you about taking my hat off to them – they haven’t won entirely. We aren’t defeated yet. There are a number of us still doing a decent business and we plan to stick around for some time now. There are still enough people left out there that do appreciate older theaters, their architecture and the personal service they provide that you just can’t get at a multiplex. We’ve had a few close calls ourselves, but thanks to the loyalty of our patrons, we’re still here (knock on formica.)

Rather than throwing in the towel, please continue to support these theaters and encourage everyone you know to do the same. When you see a theater is being threatened by the wrecking ball, rally all the support you can and let your local government know that you won’t stand for this in your community. The harder you fight, the better the chance you have of winning.

But before it even gets to that stage, encourage everyone to fill the theater’s seats… that’s the best way to keep these historic theaters alive. The bottom line is ‘no business – no theater.’

I have to agree with SBGrieg’s assessment. The original decline in business in the 70’s was caused by the building of a high-rise on the adjacent lot and another building project across the street on Sheridan Rd. This took away most of the available parking spots in the area. It was all downhill from then on.